Development opportunities

Orpington Town Centre is within the Cray Valley renewal area, identified in the Bromley Local Plan; new development in this area is expected to maximise opportunities to support Orpington Town Centre, in respect of retailing and community services and developing a thriving retail, office and leisure economy.

There are a number of potential development opportunities within the town centre, including sites for development of retail, leisure and office uses as well as new homes. In particular, the proposed redevelopment of the Walnuts Shopping Centre offers the opportunity for the delivery of a significant amount of new homes, the creation of new jobs and the provision of new social infrastructure and an improved public realm. The landowners of the Walnuts have begun a separate consultation with the local community to gain an understanding of key issues and to inform future redevelopment proposals on the site.

These opportunities could help to ensure that the town centre can continue to function effectively and can adapt effectively to changing circumstances, and ensure that the Council can meet its housing targets and requirements for provision of other uses.

However, there are numerous other considerations that must be taken into account when considering whether new development is suitable, including the design of development, how development fits in with local character and if it will adversely impact the amenity of local residents and businesses.

The development of the SPD offers an opportunity to put in place guidance to shape development in the area, facilitating the delivery of much needed housing and economic uses and setting out what development in the town centre should look like.